188 



A STUDY OF FARM ANIMALS 



quietly slipped down over the thigh to the muscle just above 

 the hock, where a firm pressure with the fingers is given. 

 At the same time the right hand is placed upon the pastern, 

 and the foot and leg firmly but quietly raised upward and 

 backward, reaching away from the body. The hoof is thus 

 brought in front of the examiner, with its lower surface facing 

 to the rear, and at about knee height. No great effort 

 should be made in raising the feet, for the horse will easily 

 support himself on his three other limbs. Young horses re- 



Figure 62. Showing correct method of holding front foot for examination. 

 Photograph by the author. 



quire more patience than old ones in foot examination ; but, 

 after being shod a few times, a horse of good disposition 

 may not be expected to give trouble. It is wise to move 

 with care about the hind legs, especially directly behind, to 

 avoid the chance of a kick. 



The study of action in the carriage horse is most im- 

 portant. His market value largely depends upon his per- 

 fection of movement. All carriage horses, and race horses 



